Kriti Sanon pushes back after Raksha Bandhan outfit ad backlash: 'Culture is in the heart, not the neckline'

Kriti Sanon is responding to the backlash over her Raksha Bandhan ad, where she was seen tying a rakhi to her pet dog in what some deemed too revealing. Speaking on Instagram Story, she emphasized that the essence of festivals lies in the emotions and meaning behind traditions, rather than the clothes worn. Kriti explained that tying rakhi is a mutual promise of protection, health, and long life between family members, and she naturally extends this bond to her dogs as they are also part of her family.

She questioned why women's cultural devotion is still judged by their clothing choices rather than their inner spirit, adding that culture and traditions belong in the heart, not the neckline. The ad, live since July 20, had generated criticism questioning the appropriateness of the outfit for the festival, with some accusing the brand of trivializing the tradition.

Kriti was not the only target; BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also criticized the ad, describing the styling choice as "intentionally creepy." This backlash has sparked a broader debate, with some fans pointing out the irony of viewers praising Kriti's revealing looks in films now criticizing her for the same in a festive context.